Most of my clients wear eyelash extensions regularly. But when a special event comes up in your life, it can be tempting to grab a pair of strip lashes (a.k.a. falsies or fake lashes) and put them on top of your eyelash extensions.

But is that such a good idea? Could it damage the extensions or even worst, the natural lash?

I’ve seen a few horror stories over the years and one of them involved strip lashes on top of extensions. Keep reading to see what happened to this beautiful bride who added a set of strip lashes over her extensions for her wedding.

Let’s get started before it’s too late!

Can You Put Strip Lashes Over Eyelash Extensions?

I know it might seem like a quick and easy way to get a dramatic look for that specific occasion. What could go wrong right?

Well, quite a few things actually!

I’ll share with you 5 reasons why you should not wear false lashes on top of eyelash extensions and what happens when you do.

5 Reasons to Not Wear Strip Lashes on Top of Lash Extensions

#1 Falsies Add Too Much Weight

When an eyelash technician applies individual eyelash extensions to your natural lashes, a delicate balance between the weight of the extension and the strength of your natural lashes takes place.

For example, I always make sure to apply lash extensions with a length and diameter that your natural lashes can support long-term without any worries. Properly controlling this balance is key to avoid any damage to your natural lashes.

But what happens if you apply a pair of strip lashes on top of your extensions?

Additional weight!

And your natural lashes will not thank you for it…

I have seen entire portions of natural lashes lost due to the extra weight of strip lashes. Surpassing the maximum weight your natural lashes can bear can lead to balding along your lash line and that takes a while to recover.

On a personal note, a few years ago, I dolled up a gorgeous bride in an even more gorgeous set of extensions. Her makeup artist added strip lashes on top of the lash extensions hoping for a more intense look and fuller lash line for that very special day.

The result?

Damaged lashes…

Remember, The weight from the false eyelashes on top of lash extensions adds unnecessary stress on your natural lashes making them brittle and weak.

Thankfully this beautiful bride was able to have a memorable wedding since the damage only manifested the next day when she removed her fake lashes. But her honeymoon wasn’t so glorious.

#2 Falsies Will Ruin Your Extensions and Natural Lashes During Removal

Falsies are quick and easy to apply, but this convenience comes with some major risks that you might not have considered before.

In theory, strip lashes should not come in contact with your eyelash extensions. Strip lashes are glued at the base of your eyelid whereas eyelash extensions are affixed to your natural lashes carefully.

I say in theory because in practice this is more often than not just wrong.

If you apply your falsies less than perfectly, you might drop some glue onto your lashes and extensions.

What happens when you want to remove that strip of lashes?

You pull on it!

At the same time, you risk pulling on an extension and a natural lash. In most cases, you will be yanking your natural lashes out.

#3 Falsie Glue Stuck Onto Your Lash Line

I’m sure you’ve all had the unfortunate experience of applying falsie glue to your lash line and then realizing that not only did it stick, but it’s also hard to remove.

Even more frustrating is removing strip lash glue while maintaining your eyelash extensions!

You could try everything from eye makeup remover, oil-based cleansers, olive oil, and even intense rubbing. But all these methods would ruin your lash extensions.

So what can you do?

Well not much.

You will have to keep that falsie glue onto your lash line until you are ready to go for a lash refill and remove everything. That way, your lash tech will be able to remove the falsie glue safely without damaging your natural lashes.

Not so exciting.

#4 Falsies Look Unnatural

Let’s be honest here. Falsies look unnatural on top of eyelash extensions. They simply look messy.

Ok. I’ll admit the above picture is a slight exaggeration. But you get the point.

Most people’s natural lash line has a curve which doesn’t work well with straight strip lashes so they end up looking unnatural and look more like “falsies.”

When people ask if your lashes are fake it can be really embarrassing! This is why we recommend that clients only wear strip lashes OR eyelash extensions, but never both at the same time.

Or even better, just drop the strip lashes and embrace eyelash extensions 😉

#5 Falsies Are Unnecessary

I think I have kept the best argument for the end.

You have invested a considerable amount of money to get eyelash extensions. You have spent time choosing the perfect style, curl, length, etc.

Why would you ruin your lash extensions by applying strip lashes on top of them?

If you need a different look for that very special day, just talk about it with your lash stylist! With eyelash extensions, the possibilities are endless, and will look so much more natural than with strip lashes!